Maynard James Keenan Tells Fans to Expect New TOOL Album in 2019

posted by Andrew Magnotta -

Tool singer Maynard James Keenan has finally set expectations for a release date for his band's long-awaited fifth studio album.

In a pronouncement that confirms (albeit vaguely, as is Keenan's style) the suspicions/fears of many fans, the singer indicated Monday that Tool's new album will arrive in 2019.

“Thank you very much, appreciate it," Keenan said after receiving Metal Hammer's Golden Gods Icon Award. "Wouldn’t be here without you guys, so thank you very much for all of that. A lot of work’s being done, a lot of work’s been done. I’ll go on record now and say – you’re gonna see some new music next year.”

The most recent update to come from the band itself was Sunday when Tool's official social accounts shared a photo of bassist Justin Chancellor's in-studio rig.

Drummer Danny Carey began recording in March, so it would appear the band is taking its time putting their new songs to tape.

Guitarist Adam Jones (who is active on Instagram) has shared several photos from the studio over the past few months, though none of himself recording. It's safe to say Jones' parts probably will not be laid down for several more weeks.

That means Tool will have a short window in July for Keenan to being tracking vocals. Keenan is currently on tour with A Perfect Circle in support of that band's new album, Eat the Elephant, its first in 14 years.

Carey, Chancellor and Jones have all said the new album would be released this year, but most of those statements came before the new APC album, and Keenan undercut many of those statements, joking via Twitter at one point that since his bandmates took 12 years to complete the music, he should have as least half as long for his vocals.

In theory, Keenan will have a few weeks this summer before he has to return to his winery in Arizona in August for the harvest. He'll be back on tour with A Perfect Circle in October.

Even if the album is all done by the fall, it's hard to imagine a band of Tool's stature would releasing an album while its singer was on tour with another band.